(L to R) Prof. Romulo P. Baquiran, Mr. Cles B. Rambaud, and Dr. Adelaida F. Lucero during the open forum. (Photo by Phillip Kimpo Jr.)
The second edition of the Umpilan, a monthly forum on Philippine regional writing, featured Ilocano literature last March 11, 2013 at the Natividad Galang Fajardo (NGF) Conference Room, Horacio de la Costa Hall, Ateneo de Manila University.
Panelists Dr. Adelaida F. Lucero of UP Diliman and Mr. Cles B. Rambaud of Bannawag magazine discussed the development and trajectories of literatures in their region with premier Ilocano poet in Filipino, Prof. Romulo P. Baquiran Jr. of UP Diliman, moderating the panel.
Lucero, an Ilocano literary scholar and former chair of the UPD Department of English and Comparative Literature, gave a comprehensive review of Ilocano literature from past wordsmiths to contemporary writers. Bannawag managing editor Rambaud meanwhile discussed the vital role that the said Ilocano magazine plays in fostering the region’s literature, as well as the various writing workshops and communities that aid in the honing of Ilocano lit.
Present during the discussions were Dr. Michael M. Coroza, UMPIL secretary-general; Dr. Rebecca T. Anonuevo, chair of the Miriam College Departamento ng Filipino; Dr. Alvin Yapan, chair of the Ateneo de Manila Kagawaran ng Filipino; and Dr. V.E. Carmelo D. Nadera Jr., former chair of the UP Institute of Creative Writing.
The event was organized by the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas (UMPIL, or Writers Union of the Philippines), in partnership with the Kagawaran ng Filipino and the Ateneo Institute of Literary Arts and Practices of the Ateneo de Manila University.
The next editions of the Umpilan will feature Visayan literatures this coming summer.
A gallery of photos of the second Umpilan can be viewed on the Kalatas Facebook page.
–Phillip Kimpo Jr., UMPIL
Kalatas: Philippine Literature, Culture, and Ideas 